BEN Smith admits that the wet weather is putting pressure on Worcestershire's hopes of gaining promotion to division one of the Frizzell County Championship.

The County skipper spelled out his frustration after only 29.1 overs were possible yesterday against table-topping Gloucestershire at New Road.

It lifted the total number of overs they have lost to the miserable weather so far this season to more than 550 and play was again delayed today.

Their three opening matches against Hampshire, Northamptonshire and Dur-ham all ended in draws after being affected by the rain.

Smith said: "As long as people realise that, at the moment, the only thing that's standing between us and promotion is this weather.

"It's getting even more frustrating unfortunately. We have missed out on a lot of cricket now this season. We are getting into positions to win games but the weather is holding us back.

"Although there is still a long way to go you still want to get as many points as you can as early as you can in the season. There's no great concern from the cricketing side of things. We are batting and bowling well and when we do get into positions where we need to soak up pressure we have done.

"But there's nothing we can do about the weather. It's in the lap of the gods."

Yesterday play began on time, but only 25.3 overs were possible before rain forced the players off at 12.45pm. They returned at 5pm when just 15 minutes play was possible before play was called off for the day with the County on 72-4 off 29.1 overs.

Smith had earlier fallen for a single -- the first time this season he has failed to complete a Championship half-century.

Graeme Hick provided a measure of the tricky conditions by taking over an hour to reach double figures. He finally fell for a battling 20.